I find so much joy in the traditions that Christmas brings. Buying Christmas presents for my family is something I love to do. I enjoy listening to Christmas music as I hurry through the season. Decorating the Christmas tree and setting out nativity scenes around the house is a tradition I look forward to every year. But, there comes a time when the gifts have been opened, the radio stations aren’t playing Christmas music, the tree has been thrown to the curb, and decorations have been boxed up and stored for next year. Where is our joy then?
For some, the holiday brings grief and sorrow as they miss loved ones or spend the holiday alone. This is our first holiday season without my grandfather. Since I was a little girl, I would find my seat right next to him as we read the Christmas story, sang a Christmas carol, and opened presents. He loved opening the peanut brittle that was wrapped for him every year. He had the best sense of humor so there was always lots of laughter. This year has been hard as I have missed having him around to share in the laughter and celebration with family.
So, how do we experience the true joy of Christmas? Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and bear a son whose name would be Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). In Matthew 1, the prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born. He was called Immanuel, “God with us” and he was present in the flesh. Mary could cradle and sing to him. The shepherds looked at him and worshipped him. We have the same gift today as the Holy Spirit draws us into communion with God and there is so much joy in that. According to Isaiah 35:10, we have an everlasting joy! Do we know and grasp what that means? Nothing can take away the joy that we have in Immanuel because he IS with us.
Most of us do our shopping online (especially this year), but I set aside a day or two to do some shopping in stores. You don’t have to look hard to find how the world defines the joy of Christmas. I mean, have you experienced Black Friday in Wal-Mart or Target?! It’s all about finding that perfect gift for your loved one and the happiness it will bring. But at some point, the perfect gift isn’t being used or has been replaced by something else.
Some family gatherings don’t bring happiness to anyone. It’s tense, awkward, or just difficult. This doesn’t bring happiness to our hearts and makes us dread the holidays. Temporary happiness or discomfort is just that. Temporary. The joy that Christ brings is eternal! Our circumstances can try to convince us otherwise, but Christ is the assurance of hope, peace, and joy.
Whether our Christmas season is festive bringing lots of laughter and happiness or we are experiencing loneliness, there is joy to be found. We might have to wake up each day and choose joy instead of whatever emotion is consuming our hearts. Stay present and he will be present! Make a choice to read the word, reach out to a friend, listen to a favorite podcast or worship song. When we experience the presence of God, we will experience true joy.
Merry Christmas!
Meg Moore
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